Pentasa

What is a generic medication?

Generic medications are significantly discounted copies of brand name medication that have the same active ingredients, intended use, dosage, side effects, effects, and route of administration as the original brand name medication. In other words, generic medications have the same pharmacological effects as their brand-name counterparts. Over half of all prescribed medications are for generic medications.

Pentasa Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, colon, and rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and sores. Symptoms vary depending on the individual, but the most common complaints include diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, patients may develop anemia.

Since this is a chronic condition, patients will likely experience symptoms throughout their life, although there may be prolonged periods of remission.

Pentasa Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Pentasa is mesalamine. It helps to reduce tissue damage and inflammation and controls symptoms of diarrhea.

Pentasa in the News

Pentasa Caps Approved for New Administration Option

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for Pentasa. Drug capsules may now be opened and their contents sprinkled onto applesauce or yogurt.

Pentasa is available as 250mg controlled-release capsules in 240-count bottles, and as 500mg controlled-release capsules in 120-count bottles.

Ginger contains active compounds against oxidation, inflammation, and cancer and could offer a novel and inexpensive treatment option, the representative said. It could be developed into a medicine to help reduce acute colitis and enhancing intestinal repair.

The scientists used a blender, super-high-speed centrifuge and ultrasonic dispersion to break down ginger juice into nanoparticles with a diameter of roughly 230 nanometers.

Pentasa General Information

Overview

Pentasa is prescribed to patients to treat ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease. It decreases swelling of the colon and helps reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and rectal bleeding.

Warnings

The information on this page is not a replacement for a consultation with a physician, qualified to treat this condition and prescribe medication. The information is supplied by a third party, independent from this website and only serves to raise awareness about this condition and point out basic information regarding treatment.

The website cannot take responsibility for the reliability or medical efficacy of the information provided. As mentioned above, patients should seek medical attention to ensure effective and safe treatment.

Not all products are shipped by our contracted Canadian pharmacy. The source country, shipping country or drug manufacturer may vary depending on availability.

The website also maintains commercial ties with dispensaries around the world. Products can be sourced from a number of countries. Patients should note that different items within an order can be shipped from different jurisdictions, depending on availability and cost at the time an order was placed.

How to Use Pentasa

Most patients are prescribed Pentasa four times daily. The dosage is prescribed by a doctor, based on a patient’s condition and response to treatment.

Those taking Pentasa via capsule form may take it with or without food. Patients using the tablet form should take this drug with meals.

It is important to swallow Pentasa whole. Do not break, crush or chew this medication as this can interfere with the drug being properly released in the colon.

Patients who have trouble swallowing the capsule may open it and sprinkle its contents on yogurt or applesauce. It is important to swallow all of the mixtures without chewing. Consume the mixture as soon as you prepare it and do not prepare in advance.

Patients should use Pentasa regularly in order to get the full benefit from this drug. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day. This helps to remember to take doses regularly.

Precautions

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to mesalamine, the active ingredient in Pentasa, or to other substances of the same class such as balsalazide and olsalazine. Patients should alert their physician if they are allergic to salicylates like aspirin and salsalate, or to a substance called sulfasalazine which is often sold under the brand name Azulfidine.

Patients should discuss their medical history, especially any kidney or liver disease. Pyloric stenosis, a condition involving a stomach blockage, should also be mentioned.

Patients about to undergo surgery or dental procedures need to inform their doctor or dentist of all medications and supplements they are taking.

Pentasa is similar to aspirin and can have serious effects on children or teenagers with chickenpox, flu or any undiagnosed illnesses. In these circumstances, Pentasa and salicylates such as aspirin can cause a rare but form of encephalopathy known as Reye's syndrome. Pentasa and salicylates should not be given to children or teenagers who have recently been vaccinated.

Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of continuing Pentasa treatment with their doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

Missed Dose

Patients who miss a dose of Pentasa should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change the way Pentasa works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Pentasa, is very similar to balsalazide and olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Do not use Pentasa with medicines containing balsalazide (e.g. Colazal), olsalazine (e.g. Dipentum) , and sulfasalazine (e.g. Azulfidine).

Pentasa may interfere with laboratory tests which measure urine normetanephrine levels. Patients should alert their doctor or laboratory personnel to the possibility of false test results.

Pentasa Side Effects

The most common side effects of taking Pentasa include diarrhea, headache or vomiting. Patients should tell their doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.

Most people can safely use Pentasa without negative side effects. In some rare cases, this medication can worsen ulcerative colitis. Patients should immediately report symptoms such as increased abdominal pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea or fever to their doctor.

Serious side effects include kidney problems which may manifest as changes in the amount of urine or dark urine. Patients should also monitor for persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Serious allergic reactions to Pentasa are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

Storage

Pentasa should be stored at room temperature away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Pentasa Drug Information

Pentasa Overview

Pentasa is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates. It works by decreasing swelling in the colon.

How to Use Pentasa

Take Pentasa by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. If you are taking the capsule form of Pentasa, you may take it with or without food. If you are taking the tablet form of Pentasa, take it with meals. Swallow Pentasa whole. Do not crush, chew, or break. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on applesauce or yogurt before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance. The Dosage of Pentasa is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use Pentasa regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Pentasa Precautions

Before taking mesalamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as balsalazide, olsalazine); or to salicylates (such as aspirin, salsalate); or to sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies. may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Pentasa, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, stomach blockage (such as pyloric stenosis), skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Pentasa is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. During pregnancy, Pentasa should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pentasa passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Pentasa Misdose

If you miss a dose of Pentasa, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Pentasa Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Mesalamine is very similar to balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Do not use medications containing balsalazide, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine while using mesalamine. Pentasa may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine normetanephrine levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Pentasa.

Pentasa Side Effects

Diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Pentasa because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Pentasa do not have serious side effects. Infrequently, mesalamine can worsen ulcerative colitis. Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen after starting Pentasa (such as increased abdominal pain/cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, chest pain, shortness of breath. A very serious allergic reaction to Pentasa is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Pentasa Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: All medical content is supplied by a third party company who is independent from this web site. As such, this web site can not guarantee the reliability, accuracy, and /or medical efficacy of the information provided. In all circumstances, you should seek the advice of a health professional pertaining to drug, treatment and/or medical condition advice. Note that not all products are shipped by our contracted Canadian pharmacy. This website contracts with dispensaries around the world that ship products directly to our customers. Some of the jurisdiction include but are not limited to United Kingdom, Europe, Turkey, India, Canada, Vanuatu, Mauritius, and USA. The items within your order may be shipped from any one of these jurisdiction depending on the availability and cost of the products at the time you place your order. The products are sourced from these countries as well as others. Please note that the product appearance may vary from actual product received depending on availability.